Have you heard about our exciting WVS Taskforce Nursing Programme and would like to know more?
In this article Hannah Prince, our International Nursing Taskforce Manager, will tell you more about this unique programme – plus, you’ll hear about the experiences of nurses Emma and Erina, who both recently completed the one-year programme.
About the WVS Taskforce Nursing Programme
WVS Veterinary Taskforce is a team of vets and nurses who work internationally to help with capacity building, to have a sustainable long-term impact on the animals and local communities when it comes to high standards of animal welfare, population control management and disease prevention.
In 2023, a one-year nursing programme was born with the purpose of enhancing the nursing care offered to animals. The veterinary nurses who participate in the programme rotate between WVS’s International Training Centres (ITCs) and provide expert nursing support to the local teams.
The programme has been hugely successful, and we are continuously receiving positive feedback from the centre managers on what a difference the nursing team are having.
The one-year nursing programme is based on at least four rotations, and the nurses currently spend three months at each, so our teams are always supported by a registered veterinary nurse (RVN). Our ITCs are currently in Malawi, India, Galapagos/Ecuador, Thailand and Cambodia, and the nurses are also diverted to outreach or Mission Rabies projects if further support is required.
The Taskforce Nursing Programme is a unique opportunity for RVNs to have confidence in and to share their knowledge, to immerse themselves in different cultures and to adapt and think outside the box when it comes to resource limited settings. Not only does it have a positive impact on animal welfare across the globe, but those lucky enough to have a position in the team also go through a life changing experience.
Hear from RVN Emma Kerridge, who completed the WVS Taskforce Nursing Programme in January 2025.
Did the Taskforce Nursing Programme meet your expectations?
It exceeded my expectations! I’m truly grateful for everything I’ve experienced over the past year. Each placement has been different, bringing its own set of challenges, and each one has taught me something new. I’ve built amazing friendships along the way and feel I’ve been able to really make the most of every opportunity. It’s been a year of constant change and adaptation, but I am thankful for all of it and how much I’ve grown—both as a nurse and as a person.
What is the most valuable take home you have learnt from being on the programme?
All of it has been a valuable experience to me! It's one thing travelling and volunteering for a few weeks in each place but with this timeframe you get to really immerse yourself within the team and culture. It allows you to notice how veterinary care is adapted to cultural settings and having to navigate through that to ensure the highest standard of care possible is being given. It has also made me realise just how much of a demand there is in these countries for training and support that isn’t always readily available. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to filling that gap.
How did you find being away from home for the year?
This wasn't difficult for me as I have adapted being away from home for a little while before starting the programme, obviously it can be difficult when situations arise at home and you’re not there but there are opportunities to go back easily with the annual leave allowance. The team in each placement are welcoming and supportive which helps a lot!
Hear from RVN Erina Sweeney who completed the WVS Taskforce Nursing Programme in October 2024.
Did the Taskforce Nursing Programme meet your expectations?
My time with the WVS Taskforce nursing programme has not only been a rewarding professional experience but has also ignited a renewed sense of purpose in my career as a veterinary nurse. Engaging with diverse teams and witnessing the variety of veterinary practices expanded my understanding of what is possible within our field. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to further promote animal welfare and the One Health approach in my future endeavours.
How do you think your nursing/nursing career has changed after completing the year?
Throughout the past year, my experience with WVS has enriched my veterinary nursing career and inspired my professional development in unexpected ways. Working within the dynamic and often fast-paced environment of veterinary care has sharpened my clinical skills and improved my adaptability.
Additionally, this role has expanded my understanding of teamwork and collaboration. The challenges we faced, from emergency situations to routine procedures, required effective communication and seamless cooperation among team members. This experience emphasises the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, a vital skill that I can carry forward into my nursing practice.
WVS’s dedication to animal welfare and community outreach has also inspired me to adopt a broader perspective on healthcare. I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of preventive care and education in promoting well-being, which is a principle I intend to integrate into my nursing practice. By advocating for comprehensive health initiatives, I aim to make a difference not only in individual patient outcomes but also in public health.
In summary, my time as a veterinary nurse with WVS has not only honed my clinical abilities but has also instilled a renewed sense of purpose in my nursing career.
Is there any advice you would give for nurses thinking about applying for the programme or volunteering with WVS in the future?
I would say absolutely go for it! It’s an amazing opportunity to combine your love for animals with your passion for adventure and travelling. It really has been the most enjoyable year, and I have memories for a lifetime now! Every place brings its own unique experiences and challenges, but it is all worth it. Good luck!
Are you a nurse looking to get involved?
The Taskforce Nursing programme is an ongoing opportunity within WVS for experienced UK based RVNs which we advertise and recruit for every six months. If you’d like to be involved with this programme, please keep an eye out on our social media pages for future updates.
If you are interested in volunteering your nursing skills and helping with one of our international projects for a shorter period of time, then please browse our current volunteering opportunities here. We would love to hear from you!
